Nikola Jokic extension, free-agent priorities headline Nuggets’ offseason checklist
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The Denver Nuggets front office offered only limited insight into its offseason agenda on Wednesday, but executives confirmed that securing center Nikola Jokic long term remains the club’s foremost objective.
Vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer said league rules prevent him from discussing a potential maximum-salary extension for the two-time MVP, yet he called Jokic’s recent declaration that he hopes to be “a Nugget forever” an encouraging sign. “You’ve heard what he said about his happiness here,” Tenzer told reporters. “We feel really comfortable with that relationship.”
Restricted free agents
Tenzer added that Denver is “comfortable” with where it stands on Peyton Watson, who is eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Executive vice president of player personnel Jon Wallace said the team also intends to bring back impending RFA forward Spencer Jones. “Spencer’s done himself a lot of favors the past year,” Wallace noted. “He defended, made shots and was a big part of what we did. He’s a homegrown guy, and you want to reward those guys.”
Team option decision
The Nuggets hold a $2.41 million team option on guard Jalen Pickett, selected 32nd overall in 2023. Tenzer said the front office is “still evaluating” whether to exercise that option before the June 29 deadline.
Draft maneuvering
Denver entered Tuesday’s draft with the No. 26 pick but traded back to No. 35, where it chose Arkansas big man Trevon Brazile, and later took St. John’s forward Bryce Hopkins at No. 49. Wallace revealed that moving up was also considered; had the Nuggets climbed the board, they would have targeted a point guard. “It got a little expensive to move up,” he explained. “There were a lot of guys we liked, but they just didn’t fall to our area.”
Team sources told The Denver Post the front office believed talent dropped off after roughly the 20th pick, prompting the decision to slide down from 26. Wallace said Brazile and Hopkins addressed needs for length, defense, rebounding and toughness. Brazile is expected to occupy a spot on the standard 15-man roster, while Tenzer said the club is still deciding whether Hopkins will receive a standard deal or a two-way contract.
Draft-room moment clarified
ESPN’s live broadcast showed team governor Josh Kroenke appearing agitated as the Nuggets prepared to trade the No. 26 pick. Wallace laughed off social-media speculation about internal discord, explaining that the delay stemmed from San Antonio’s late confirmation of which prospect it wanted Denver to select on the Spurs’ behalf. “We were waiting for the other side to finalize the decision, and you’re on the clock,” Wallace said. “It wasn’t an internal issue by any means.”
The Nuggets now pivot to free agency, where decisions on Jokic, Watson, Jones and Pickett will shape the roster entering the 2026-27 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
